Elizabeth Mary Thompson

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Wednesday, March 27, 1929
Date of Death:
Friday, November 26, 2021
Age:
92 years old

Visitation

Date: Saturday December 11, 2021
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Memorial Service

Date: Saturday December 11, 2021
Time: 11:00 am

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Live Stream

The memorial service will be live streamed. Click the following link to watch the stream:

https://youtu.be/P_oPf9vMYBU

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Wednesday, March 27, 1929
Date of Death:
Friday, November 26, 2021
Age:
92 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Wednesday, March 27, 1929
Date of Death:
Friday, November 26, 2021
Age:
92 years old

Elizabeth Mary Thompson

Elizabeth (Bette) Mary Thompson, 92, died peacefully November 26th 2021, at Shorewood Memory Care with her beloved husband Arnold by her side.

Elizabeth Mary Simmons was born on March 27th, 1929, in Hammond MN, to Frank and Elizabeth (Griffin) Simmons. Bette graduated from Lourdes High School, class of 1947, and was a lifelong resident of Rochester.

Early in her career Bette worked at St. Marys hospital as a patient care assistant and later was co-owner of Rochester Maintenance Supply. She thoroughly enjoyed caring for patients as a care assistant and was very proud of her work at St. Marys hospital.

In 1949 Bette married Donald Schoenfelder, and together they had four children, Gary, Michael, Frank, and Greg. They were later divorced.

On December 2nd, 1978, she married the love of her life, Arnold Thompson Jr., in Medford, Oregon, and was happily married for 43 years. Bette thoroughly enjoyed her retirement years traveling with Arnold, spending summer months between Rochester and their cabin on Lake Bemidji and avoiding the cold by wintering at their home in Harlingen, Texas.

Bette had a passion and talent for golf and achieved 13 holes in one and many club championships in Harlingen throughout her golfing career. Bette was a dedicated member of St. Francis Catholic Church and enjoyed volunteering at Toys for Tots.   She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always remembering them on birthdays and special occasions, baking her famous chocolate brownies whenever she had the opportunity, and after years of requests, finally sharing the recipe.

Bette is survived by her husband, Arnold; sons, Gary (Sharon) Schoenfelder and Greg (Gwen) Schoenfelder; and daughter-in-law, Pat Schoenfelder; grandchildren, Karianne (Jake) Johnson, Chad (Nicole) Schoenfelder, Jamie Schoenfelder, Megan Schoenfelder, Taylor (Tiffany) Schoenfelder, Jennifer Schoenfelder, and Bethany Schoenfelder; great grandchildren, Kayleen, Connor, and Meleah Johnson, William and Cole Savick, RJ Schoenfelder, Miklyn Schoenfelder, Avery and Carley Schoenfelder, Autumn Schoenfelder, and Anthony Schoenfelder; great-great grandchildren, Jaycee and Carter.

Bette was preceded in death by her children, Frank and Michael, her parents, and four siblings.

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 11th in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home 1105 12th Street SE, Rochester, with a visitation one hour prior to the service.

A special thank you to Shorewood Memory Care and Seasons Hospice staff for the exceptional, loving care given to Bette.  Words cannot convey our gratitude and appreciation for the compassion, respect, and support provided to Bette, Arnold, and our family.

Memorials preferred to Season’s Hospice and Toys for Tots Foundation.

Condolences

The family of Elizabeth Mary Thompson has received the following condolences.

Sorry for all in the loss of such a spirited, faithful, beautiful family matriarch.  Rest In Peace Bettie. Will keep you in my prayers always.